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erinbrenner's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I first read this when it came out, loved it, and pit it away. I came across it recently and couldn't remember anything about it. Clearly time for a reread!
The book stands up to time. It says a lot for a short book, and there's a lot going on beneath the surface of this delightful story. Accepting people who are different, finding your truth, and seeking to be accepted for yourself are all themes that we need today, as much as we did when this book came out. Such a joyful rediscovery!
The book stands up to time. It says a lot for a short book, and there's a lot going on beneath the surface of this delightful story. Accepting people who are different, finding your truth, and seeking to be accepted for yourself are all themes that we need today, as much as we did when this book came out. Such a joyful rediscovery!
frysling's review
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
dandelionfluff's review
5.0
Once I had a dream where I was brought by mysterious circumstances to teach in a magical school. It wasn't necessarily a prophetic dream, as it was very different from what I encountered here, but the feeling is much the same. How often can I say that about a book? This truly did feel like a dream.
I almost don't want to say too much here. Strong female characters abound. McKillip also manages to capture the essence of a character so steeped in pure magic that they feel inhuman at times. That's very difficult to achieve, I think, and it's done so well. This is by no means saying it's a perfect story, but I found something special here, that's for sure.
Again, I won't say too much-- definitely read this story. Please do.
I almost don't want to say too much here. Strong female characters abound. McKillip also manages to capture the essence of a character so steeped in pure magic that they feel inhuman at times. That's very difficult to achieve, I think, and it's done so well. This is by no means saying it's a perfect story, but I found something special here, that's for sure.
Again, I won't say too much-- definitely read this story. Please do.
kaesi99's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
diablevert's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
3.0
pyanfarrrr's review
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
indrabar's review
3.0
Still a joy to read, as McKillip always is, but I didn't consider this to be her best.
phoenixs's review
3.0
The ending saved this one from two stars, or more like two and a half. For most of the book I felt as though everything was all (pardon the pun) odds and ends, but the conclusion drew everything together rather nicely. I feel this one is one of the least well-executed out of the novels I've read by her so far (and I've read more than a few).
I'd say read this if you want something to pick up every now and then. This took me months to read and I think a lot of it had to do with the plodding pace of the plot. I like when Mckillip takes her time to shape things up, but this time I think she was a bit too generous in that regard.
I'd recommend against someone reading this as their first Mckillip book.
I'd say read this if you want something to pick up every now and then. This took me months to read and I think a lot of it had to do with the plodding pace of the plot. I like when Mckillip takes her time to shape things up, but this time I think she was a bit too generous in that regard.
I'd recommend against someone reading this as their first Mckillip book.